Grainfather & plastics

[opq]

I am a longtime beer brewer just beginning to explore the transition into distilling. I already own a Grainfather for brewing beer and was hoping to use the Alembic Copper Pot still attachment, however I was concerned by the use of plastics in the instructional video. As I understand it, spirit should be nowhere near plastics for potential risk of chemical leaching.

Is there anyone out there using a Grainfather for distilling that has solved this problem or has somehow worked around it?

[still_stirrin]

A search will return many threads regarding users of the grainfather.

viewtopic.php?t=64183
viewtopic.php?t=61436
viewtopic.php?t=66789
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=57571
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=54597

Just a few ... to start. There’s more if you look.

Help yourself.
ss

[opq]

I am not new to the internet, so I know how to use search. None of the threads I found seemed to have a good solution to the safety issue that I've raised.

Hoping someone with experience on this rig can provide insight

[kiwi Bruce]

I was concerned by the use of plastics in the instructional video. As I understand it, spirit should be nowhere near plastics for potential risk of chemical leaching.

I've watched their video and didn't see the plastic your talking about...I saw the plastic cooling tubes on the condenser, but they don't come in contact with the spirit...I don't think the seal between condenser and the still head is plastic either...your right about the heath concerns with plastic and high test spirit, (it's the plasticizers - esters of polycarboxylic acids, that are are very real problem...they are liver and kidney killers) give us a heads up or a pic of what your seeing and I'm missing...Kiwi

[still_stirrin]

I was concerned by the use of plastics in the instructional video. As I understand it, spirit should be nowhere near plastics for potential risk of chemical leaching.

I've watched their video and didn't see the plastic your talking about...I saw the plastic cooling tubes on the condenser, but they don't come in contact with the spirit...I don't think the seal between condenser and the still head is plastic either...

https://www.home-brew-online.com/equipm ... ther-p2303" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

In the video, I see the bakelite drain spigot...that’s a huge concern. Inside, there likely are silicone seals too. Removal of the valve and plugging the opening with a stainless adapter and teflon gaskets would be an acceptable solution.

And in the assembly, the lyne arm is secured to the copper dome with a rubber (silicone?) O-ring. That’ll definitely need some attention...possibly several wraps of teflon tape.

I didn’t see him place a gasket or seal in the dome for sealing to the grainfather vessel, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one there. However, the lip of the boiler could be wrapped with teflon tape in lieu of that seal and provide adequate sealing of the dome to the boiler.

One thing I’ve read in some of the previous grainfather threads is that they are often only a starting point. Operators who use them tend to upgrade to a larger, more robust system shortly thereafter. So, consider this an “entry level” solution only. You may soon find yourself upgrading in the future too. Maybe then you’ll understand the advantage of “building your own” straight away.
ss

[kiwi Bruce]

Maybe then you’ll understand the advantage of “building your own” straight away.
A BIG +1 to that
However, the lip of the boiler could be wrapped with teflon tape in lieu of that seal and provide adequate sealing of the dome to the boiler.
And And in the assembly, the lyne arm is secured to the copper dome with a rubber (silicone?) O-ring. That’ll definitely need some attention...possibly several wraps of teflon tape
These probably are PTFE (Teflon) but to end all doubt the manufacturer should be emailed
In the video, I see the bakelite drain spigot...that’s a huge concern. Inside, there likely are silicone seals too. Removal of the valve and plugging the opening with a stainless adapter and teflon gaskets would be an acceptable solution.
I'll start a new thread on this topic..."The True Dangers of Plastics and Distilling" there is a lot of misunderstanding on the dangers and risks involved.
So the drain spigot and water tight gasket are below the wash level, which means it's not in contact with the ethanol vapor as it boils off the wash. This places it in the "safe zone" of the still, there is no more danger to you with this set-up than with a coffee pot of the same size. The gasket can take the heat of a boiling beer wash or a boiling low wines wash in a spirit run, the ethanol content isn't high enough, even at boiling temperatures, to make the gasket break down.
The problem is high ABV spirits, hot or cold, vapor or liquid, coming into contact with anything other than PTFE plastics. The plasticizer, most commonly phthalate esters, that give the plastic it's elasticity and flexibility, is easily dissolve into high ABV ethanol. (but not into a dilute spirit, even into a 151 proof Rum...and not into water, even boiling water.) This is a hazard to us...I'll explain in the new tread why.

look for the link here when it's done.

[opq]

Thanks guys, this is pretty great info. The video I was referring to (apologies, should have posted it in the beginning) is: https://youtu.be/xIx5dX8AFGE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
I'm using the actual brewing Grainfather, not the T500 - so no safelite spigot thankfully.

[Oldvine Zin]

And hopefully not using turbo yeast and all the crap additives that go with them


OVZ

[kiwi Bruce]

And hopefully not using turbo yeast and all the crap additives that go with them OVZ

Ya know he HAD to try it...He's a Nuebe...I think we all did, at least once...It's what Nuebe's do!

[6 Row Joe]

All the high proof spirits and all the plastic make me cringe. Use a small stainless steel funnel in your collection jar and set the jar close to the condenser spout. No plastic tube needed. Set it up on a box or container to get it close. I use all glass containers and no plastic pitchers.